Minister Nyesom Wike Slams FCT Council Chairmen Over Minimum Wage Delay for Workers
"Wike Criticizes FCT Council Chairs for Strike, Stating They Remain Content with Children's Education Left Unattended by Teachers"
The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has taken Area Council chairmen to task for their failure to pay the minimum wage to their council workers - a problem that led to a mass protest by primary school teachers, area council workers, and health workers.
According to our reports, Wike's reaction came after a mass protest over the non-implementation of the minimum wage and other entitlements by the affected workers. While addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday during a routine inspection of key road projects slated for commissioning in May 2025 for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's second anniversary, Wike called the protest "unfortunate."
Wike expressed disappointment over the non-payment of the entitlements of the primary school teachers who are responsible for the education of young children - even though he had approved the necessary funds. He also appealed to the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to exercise patience, noting that the chairmen have been summoned to an urgent meeting.
While slamming the Area Council chairmen, Wike said, "It's unfortunate and we have to tell ourselves the simple truth. The Area Council Chairmen, after I have approved money to be sent to them for them to be able to pay the teachers, they were unable to do that. In fact, I got the report on Wednesday and I have been able to summon all of them.
"I don't know why people don't have conscience that these are teachers who take care of our children and you are happy that you are not paying them their salaries. This is primary school teachers, not secondary school teachers. It's the responsibility of the councils; they are in charge of the primary schools. So, I have summoned them to a meeting and also continue to appeal to NUT to give them some time that these things will be sorted out."
Behind the Scene
The ongoing minimum wage crisis in the FCT is largely due to the alleged mismanagement of funds by the Area Council chairmen, who reportedly withheld or diverted the funds specifically allocated for minimum wage implementation and allowance arrears. Their administrative negligence and accountability gaps have resulted in a prolonged strike by the primary school teachers.
What's Next?
Teachers and health workers are demanding immediate implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage with arrears and payment of overdue allowances, including 40% peculiar allowances. If resolutions are delayed further, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to join protests.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
- The Area Council chairmen, despite Minister Nyesom Wike's approval of funds, have failed to pay the minimum wage to their council workers, which led to a protest by primary school teachers, health workers, and others.
- Wike, during a routine inspection in Abuja, called the protest "unfortunate" and expressed his disappointment over the non-payment of the entitlements of the primary school teachers.
- Wike appealed to the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to exercise patience, noting that the chairmen have been summoned to an urgent meeting.
- Wike criticized the Area Council chairmen for their inaction, stating that they were unable to pay the teachers even after the funds were approved.
- The ongoing minimum wage crisis in the FCT is due to the alleged mismanagement of funds by the Area Council chairmen, who have withheld or diverted funds for minimum wage implementation and allowance arrears.
- Teachers and health workers are demanding immediate implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage with arrears and payment of overdue allowances, including 40% peculiar allowances.
- If resolutions are delayed further, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to join the protests.
- The political implications of this issue are significant, as it falls under the policy and legislation domain and could impact Wike's and the APC's standing in politics, particularly regarding their education-and-self-development policy.
- General news outlets are following this developing story closely, as it involves a major issue in the education sector and affects the lives of many workers in Nigeria (Naija), with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration also potentially impacted due to its connection to Abuja.
